2004 La Spinetta Ca’ di Pian Barbera d’Asti

Giorgio Rivetti, who’s known for his fresh, lively Moscato d’Asti under the La Spinetta label, muscled his way into the high stakes world of Piedmontese reds with Pin, a brilliant blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera.

With the 2001 vintage he introduced a terrific Barbera d’Asti called Ca’ di Pian. The 2004 is his third vintage, and it’s just made for ‘cue. A deep black purple in color with loads of fruit and a lively acidity, Ca’ di Pian loves charred meats, salumi and pasta. You could go traditional and serve it with a chicken cacciatore or rabbit with peppers cooked in Barbera, and your guests would thank you for it. But you could also just pop the cork and drink.

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Quick swirl

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Price: About $19

Style: Vibrant and juicy

Food it goes with: Salumi, barbecue, rabbit in Barbera

Where you find it: Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639; and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.

-- S. Irene Virbila